Method and system for providing accounting services

ABSTRACT

A computerized system and method for preparing at least one tax return, including, but not limited to: accepting tax information, by at least one accounting module, for the at least one tax return from at least one user; processing the tax information, at the at least accounting module, so that at least one third party tax software application can utilize the tax information to calculate the at least one tax return; and providing calculated results of the at least one tax return, from the at least one accounting module, to the at least one user; wherein third-party software is utilized to calculate the at least one tax return so that the at least one accounting module does not need to calculate the at least one tax return.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and derives the benefit of the filing dateof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/246,771, filed Sep. 29,2009. The entire content of this application is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for providing accounting services, accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates additional details of a system for providingaccounting services, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for providing accounting services, accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates details related to how a tax return can be filed,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of allowing a user to view a tax returnstatus, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates details of how at least one customer serviceinterface can be utilized, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 7-21 and 23-24 illustrate example screen shots, according tovarious embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 22 and 25-26 illustrate data that can be utilized in variousembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for providing accounting services, accordingto one embodiment. The system 100 can include at least one client 110connected to at least one server 115 through at least one network 105.At least one accounting application 120 can also be connected to the atleast one client 110 and the at least one server 115 through the atleast one network 105. The accounting application 120 can accept taxinformation from a user accessing the client 110. The accountingapplication 120 can also process the tax information and forward it toat least one third party tax software application so that the at leastone third party tax software application(s) can utilize the taxinformation to calculate tax returns. The accounting application 120 canalso make available calculated results of the tax return to the user.This can be done so that the accounting application 120 does notactually calculate the tax return, leaving this to the third party taxsoftware application. This way, the at least one entity owning orrunning the accounting application 120 does not need to create their owntax software application. In addition, because the user is providing theinformation and filling out the forms, the user is actually preparinghis or her own tax return.

In one embodiment, the accounting software 120 can provide the user witha choice of filing the return or recalculating the return (e.g., so thatinformation can be added or errors can be corrected). In addition, theaccounting software 120 can constantly take the data the user hasentered, and calculate the results based on that data, so that the usercan know the tax return results in real-time or near real-time.

In one embodiment, limited information about the calculated results canbe provided to at least one call center representative. The limitedinformation can include: whether or not a return has been filed, whetheror not a return has been received, and the amount (e.g., owed,refundable) of the return. Those of ordinary skill in the art will seethat many other types of information can be included in the limitedinformation. The accounting software 120 can interpret the informationentered by the user and the calculated tax return information andprovide certain information that can be accessed by the call centerrepresentative. The call center representative could be trained in taxpreparation or not trained in tax preparation. This information could beaccessed by other applications. In addition, the accounting software 120can provide certain information directly to a user via an automatedphone system or via a user interface.

FIG. 2 illustrates additional details of a system for providingaccounting services, according to one embodiment. A least one Internet205 can be used as the network 105. At least one user can access theaccounting application 120 from the client 110 via the Internet 205. Atleast one firewall 210 can separate the user's computer and internalprocessing servers. The firewall 210 can allow only the connectionsnecessary to access the accounting application 120 (e.g., HTTP (port 80)and HTTPS (port 443). The exchange of any sensitive information can behandled by HTTP tunneling using at least one SSH tunnel 240 through128-bit SSL encryption. Connections can be distributed through at leastone load balancer 215, which can send traffic to the next available webserver. This can allow for seamless growth of the infrastructureensuring the user's experience is consistent no matter how many usersaccess the website at once. At least one web server grid 220 can containweb servers, which can display an intuitive graphical interface to theuser and act as an intermediary between the user and the accountingapplication 120.

The accounting application 120 can include at least one database cluster235, at least one return data cruncher 225, at least one statusinterpreter 230, at least one integrated batch processor 275, and atleast one other software applications provided by third parties. Thedatabase cluster 235 can include at least one database. In oneembodiment, each user can have their own file or database. The returndata cruncher 225 can format the data of the calculated tax return intoan IRS e-file transmission file (e.g., as specified in IRS Publication1345A). The formatted data can then be sent to the third partytransmitting software (e.g., Software #2 (250)). Third partytransmitting software 250 can be signaled by the return data cruncher225 to transmit the file to the IRS and await a response.

The status interpreter 230 can display to the user a readable status oftheir tax return. In one embodiment, the status interpreter 230 cantranslate the response from the IRS (e.g., which can contain a series ofcodes and flags as defined by IRS publication 1345A) into a readable,user friendly and descriptive message for the user. This translatedresponse can then sent back to the web server grid 220 and displayed tothe user.

The integrated batch processor 275 can collect the user's informationand process it into a format readable by third party tax software (e.g.,Software #1). The formatted data can then be sent to the third party taxsoftware, which can run the calculations and return a calculated taxreturn.

The third party software can interact with the web server grid 220,which in turn can interact with the accounting application 120. Forexample, at least one software application (e.g., #1 (280)) can do theaccounting and calculate the tax information. As another example, atleast one payment controller 245 can interact with processing software(e.g., #2 (250)) and the accounting application 120 in order to processpayments (e.g., for using the accounting services). Additionally, atleast one transmission controller 260 can interact with the accountingapplication 120, the IRS 265, and at least one bank 270 to processpayments to the IRS from a taxpayer.

A user may access the accounting application 120 to prepare their taxreturn, file their tax return, or check the status of their tax return.These processes are discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for providing accounting services, accordingto one embodiment. In 305, a user enters his/her tax information on awebsite. The website could be run at the client 110, the server 115, oron both. An example of some data that can be entered is shown in FIG. 7.Note that additional tax-related information can be entered by a screensuch as the one shown in FIG. 7. The web server grid 220 can collect theinformation and save it to at least one database in the database cluster235. In 310, after the user has finished entering the tax information,the web server grid 220 can communicate with the integrated batchprocessor 275 and signal it to process the user's information. In 315,the integrated batch processor 275 can collect the user's informationand process it into a format readable by third party tax software (e.g.,Software #1). FIG. 22 illustrates an example of user entered dataformatted in a manner that can be imported into third party taxsoftware. The formatted data can then be sent to the third party taxsoftware, which can run the calculations and return a calculated taxreturn. In 320, once the calculated tax return is presented to the user,the user has the option to either file the return or repeat the processof calculating the tax return by inserting any information that may havebeen left out, or by correcting any errors that might have been madewhile inputting the information. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of acalculated tax return. The user can choose to preview their 1040, edittheir return, or continue to save and file their return. FIGS. 23-24illustrate an example of a 1040 preview. If the user chooses to continueand file the return, the process moves to 325, which is discussed inmore detail in FIG. 4. If the user chooses to repeat the calculation ofthe tax return, the process moves to 330, which returns the user to 305so that the process can be repeated.

FIG. 4 illustrates details related to how a tax return can be filed,according to one embodiment. In 410, the calculated tax return is sentto the return data cruncher 225, where the data of the calculated taxreturn is formatted into an IRS e-file transmission file. This can bedone by analyzing the information the taxpayer has submitted andgenerating the appropriate IRS file. IRS Publication 1345 and 1345A, forexample, could be followed to create correct file headers for each taxform with accompanying field data pertaining to each form.

The formatted data can then be sent to the third party transmittingsoftware (e.g., Software #2 (250)). In 415, the third party transmittingsoftware 250 can be signaled by the return data cruncher 225 to transmitthe file to the IRS and await a response. In 420, when a response fromthe IRS is received, the information can be stored in the user'sdatabase in the database cluster 235, and the user can be notified byemail that the status of their return is available for viewing. Theprocess of viewing the tax return status is described in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of allowing a user to view a tax returnstatus, according to one embodiment. In 510, the web server can send arequest to the status interpreter 230 to display to the user a readablestatus of their tax return. In 515, the status interpreter 230 cantranslate the response from the IRS (e.g., which can contain a series ofcodes and flags as defined by IRS publication 1345A) into a readable,user friendly and descriptive message for the user. FIG. 22 illustratesexample code received by the IRS, and custom defined translations forthe code to be given to the user in a user-friendly message. Thistranslated response can then sent back to the web server grid 220 anddisplayed to the user.

In 516, it is determined if the translated response is “accepted” or“rejected” by reviewing the code. It should be noted that statusmessages can be returned from the IRS with flags and numeric codesrepresenting different aspects of the filed tax return (e.g.,acknowledged, rejected, debt indicators, rejection reasons, etc.). FIG.25 provides example codes that could be used by the IRS and translatedin order to provide “accepted” or “rejected” information to the user.

The status messages can be parsed internally and translated into twocategories: accepted and rejected. Accepted statuses can be translatedinto a readable message informing the taxpayer that their tax return hasbeen accepted by the IRS. If the status comes back with a debt indicatordefining prior unpaid obligations with the IRS, more information can begiven to the taxpayer on how to rectify the issue. Rejected statuses canbe translated into a readable message information the taxpayer thattheir tax return has been rejected by the IRS. Using the rejection codesprovided by the IRS in the rejected status message, the taxpayer can bepresented with a detailed synopsis for each of the reasons of rejectionas well as information on how they can be corrected. FIG. 26 illustratesexamples of rejection codes.

In 520, if the user's tax return has been accepted by the IRS, the webserver provides a downloadable PDF to the user so they may print a copyfor their records. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a notice indicatingthe user's tax return has been accepted. If the user's tax return hasbeen rejected by the IRS, the user can correct any errors that the IRSreported and repeat the filing process (see FIG. 4). FIG. 10 illustratesan example screen shot showing a notice indicating that the user's taxreturn has been rejected, according to one embodiment. The screen shotgives the user the option of editing the return or filing a paperreturn. If the user chooses the filing a paper return option, the usercan print out the return and file it by mail. The reason(s) for therejections can also be listed in the screen shot.

FIG. 6 illustrates details of how at least one customer serviceinterface can be utilized, according to one embodiment. In 605, customerservice agents can log into the system through an interface designed tomanage and accommodate taxpayer inquiries and troubleshooting in a largescale environment. In 610, a taxpayer can call in and be connected to atleast one customer service agent. In 615, the customer service agent canpull up the taxpayer's account and can be shown a limited informationrelated to the requested return (e.g., filing status, amount, etc.).(Note that, in some embodiments, all of the information entered by theuser can be accessed at a certain security level in read-only mode(e.g., by a manager).) In 620, the customer service agent can answer thetaxpayer's questions. A variety of tools linked to the system and thetaxpayer's database can be utilized for this. For more complex issues, aticket may be opened and transferred to the correct department followinga wizard. In 625, upon completion of the call, the customer serviceagent can enter a summary of the taxpayer's call in a call log, so otheragents may assist the taxpayer more thoroughly in future inquiries.

FIGS. 11-21 illustrate a user interface that can be utilized by acustomer service representative (or even a user). FIG. 11 illustrates ascreen shot showing information and action items related to the taxreturn. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates the profile tab, which canprovide a quick overview of the caller's account with enough informationhere to validate a user (e.g., name of client, social security number orpartial social security number of client, status of return, etc.). FIG.12 illustrates when a payment was paid and how (check, credit, etc.).FIGS. 13-14 illustrates the information tab, which can allow thecustomer service representative to view entered information in order toassist the caller with detailed account related issues as well as viewthe latest calculation results. The information tab can have accountprofile information, such as date of birth and social securityinformation, and home/mobile phone information. In addition, calculationresult information, filing status of the caller's tax return, and nameand address information can be included. FIG. 15 illustrates the statustab, which can indicate the status of the caller's tax return. Detailedrejection and pricing information can also be available. FIG. 16illustrates a call log tab, which can provide call log history (e.g., aclient called about their return status). FIG. 17 illustrates a reportissue tab, which can allow the customer service representative todocument issues and requests that can no be executed immediately by thecustomer service representative. These issues and requests can bedocumented in an intuitive manner so that the issues and requests areforwarded to the correct departments. The report issue tab can havemultiple categories (e.g., printing and mailing, state issues, federalissues, status issues, other issues). FIG. 18 illustrates variousprinting and mailing issues (e.g., mail tax return, mail agreement withentity running software application 120, mail check replacement form,request print link). FIG. 19 provides details on the mail tax returnissue, which can indicate the tax year, and where the tax return shouldbe mailed. Other screen shots can be provided that can provide technicalhelp. For example, based on a strict set of account level rules, toolscan be provided to the customer service representatives to perform moreadvanced operations such as issuing refunds and other account resolutionactions. These tools can include transferring calls to other agents ormanagers. In addition different agent account permissions can beutilized. The higher level of access can be used to manage customerservice and help provide quality assurance. Authorized users (e.g.,managers, senior customer service representatives) can have access tobilling information as well as other financial services such as taxrefund resolution and charge reversals. Those of ordinary skill in theart will see that many other types of information can be included in thescreen shots described above. FIG. 20 illustrates a menu drop-down of a“Technical Help” menu available to, for example, customer servicerepresentatives. This can provide customer service to advanced actionsto be used when troubleshooting caller's accounts. FIG. 21 illustrates amenu drop-down for a “Management” button. This can provide advancedtools for administrators pertaining for more business orientated actionssuch as billing and problem diagnosis. While various embodiments havebeen described above, it should be understood that they have beenpresented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent topersons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form anddetail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope.In fact, after reading the above description, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement alternative embodiments.Thus, the present embodiments should not be limited by any of theabove-described embodiments.

In addition, it should be understood that any figures which highlightthe functionality and advantages, are presented for example purposesonly. The disclosed methodology and system are each sufficientlyflexible and configurable, such that it may be utilized in ways otherthan that shown. For example, the steps listed in any flowchart may bere-ordered or only optionally used in some embodiments.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to enable theU.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, andespecially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art whoare not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thetechnical disclosure of the application. The Abstract of the Disclosureis not intended to be limiting as to the scope in any way.

In addition, it is the applicant's intent that when any element of thesystem or method is described as “an” element, it is meant to include“at least one” of that element. For example, if “an” accountingapplication is described, “at least one” accounting application is alsomeant to be described.

Finally, it is the applicant's intent that only claims that include theexpress language “means for” or “step for” be interpreted under 35U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6. Claims that do not expressly include the phrase“means for” or “step for” are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112,paragraph 6.

1. A computerized method for preparing at least one tax return,including, but not limited to: accepting tax information, by at leastone accounting module, for the at least one tax return from at least oneuser; processing the tax information, at the at least accounting module,so that at least one third party tax software application can utilizethe tax information to calculate the at least one tax return; andproviding calculated results of the at least one tax return, from the atleast one accounting module, to the at least one user; whereinthird-party software is utilized to calculate the at least one taxreturn so that the at least one accounting module does not need tocalculate the at least one tax return.
 2. The method of claim 1, furtherincluding, but not limited to: accepting, by the at least one accountingmodule, at least one choice from the at least one user of recalculatingthe at least one return or filing the at least one return.
 3. The methodof claim 2, wherein the recalculating is done so that information can beadded or errors can be corrected.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: providing limited information about the calculated resultsfrom the at least one server to at least one call center representative.5. The method of claim 4, wherein the limited information includes, butis not limited to: whether or not a return has been filed; whether ornot a return has been received; the amount of the return; or anycombination thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the accountingmodule constantly takes the tax information the user has entered, andcalculate the tax return results based on the entered tax information,so that the user can know the tax return results in real-time or nearreal-time.
 8. A computerized system for preparing at least one taxreturn, including, but not limited to: at least one server and/or atleast one client coupled to a network; at least one application coupledto the at least one server and/or the at least one client, the at leastone application configured for: accepting tax information, by at leastone accounting module, for the at least one tax return from at least oneuser; processing the tax information, at the at least accounting module,so that at least one third party tax software application can utilizethe tax information to calculate the at least one tax return; andproviding calculated results of the at least one tax return, from the atleast one accounting module, to the at least one user; whereinthird-party software is utilized to calculate the at least one taxreturn so that the at least one accounting module does not need tocalculate the at least one tax return.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinthe application is further configured for: accepting, by the at leastone accounting module, at least one choice from the at least one user ofrecalculating the at least one return or filing the at least one return.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the recalculating is done so thatinformation can be added or errors can be corrected.
 11. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the application is further configured for: providinglimited information about the calculated results from the at least oneserver to at least one call center representative.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the limited information includes, but is not limitedto: whether or not a return has been filed; whether or not a return hasbeen received; the amount of the return; or any combination thereof. 13.The system of claim 8, wherein the accounting module constantly takesthe tax information the user has entered, and calculate the tax returnresults based on the entered tax information, so that the user can knowthe tax return results in real-time or near real-time.